Please try the steps below, as most recording issues are caused by the system being disarmed, motion detection being switched off, storage not being set up correctly, weak batteries, or a poor Wi-Fi connection.
1. Check the system is armed
Open the Blink app and make sure the camera system is set to Armed.
If the system is set to Disarmed, the camera will not record motion clips.
2. Check Motion Detection is switched on
In the Blink app, go to the camera settings and make sure Motion Detection is switched on for that camera.
Also check the running person/motion icon on the main Blink app screen. This should be enabled for the camera you want to record from.
3. Check whether a Blink subscription or trial has ended
If the camera used to record clips but has now stopped, please check whether your Blink Subscription Plan or free trial has recently ended.
Some users expect the camera to automatically switch over to Local Storage, but this may not happen automatically. If the subscription has ended, clips may stop saving unless Local Storage is correctly set up.
To use Local Storage, please check that:
The system has a compatible Sync Module.
A suitable USB drive is inserted into the Sync Module.
The Sync Module is online in the Blink app.
Local Storage is showing as recognised in the app.
The camera is linked to the correct system using that Sync Module.
4. Check clip storage
Open the Blink app and check whether clips are set to save using either Cloud Storage or Local Storage.
If there is no active subscription and Local Storage is not set up correctly, the camera may detect motion but not save clips. At the top of the Clips page, check whether there is a storage selector or drop-down showing Cloud Storage or Local Storage.
5. Check the Sync Module
Make sure it is powered on and showing as online in the Blink app.
You can also restart it by unplugging the Sync Module from power for around 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and allowing it to reconnect.
6. Check the batteries
Weak batteries can stop the camera from working properly or cause missed recordings.
If possible, replace the batteries with good quality 1.5V AA lithium non-rechargeable batteries. Avoid standard alkaline or rechargeable batteries, as these can cause performance issues with Blink Outdoor cameras.
7. Check Wi-Fi signal strength
In the Blink app, check the camera’s connection strength to Wi-Fi and the Sync Module.
If the signal is weak, try moving the camera closer to the router or Sync Module temporarily and test whether clips start recording again.
8. Check Activity Zones
If Activity Zones are set up incorrectly, the camera may ignore movement in certain areas.
Temporarily turn Activity Zones off, or reset them, then test the camera again.
9. Increase motion sensitivity
Go into the camera settings and increase the motion sensitivity slightly.
If the sensitivity is set too low, the camera may not detect enough movement to trigger a recording.
10. Check retrigger time
If the retrigger time is set too high, the camera may wait too long between motion events before recording again.
Try lowering the retrigger time, then test the camera.
11. Check the camera position
Make sure the camera is pointed at the area where movement happens.
Avoid pointing it through glass, directly at bright lights, or too far away from the area being monitored. For best results, motion should pass across the camera’s view rather than directly towards it.
12. Restart the camera
Remove the batteries from the camera for around 30 seconds, then refit them.
Wait for the camera to reconnect in the Blink app, then test recording again.
13. Test the camera
After checking the settings, arm the system and walk across the camera’s view.
Wait around a minute, then check the Clips section in the Blink app to see whether a new clip has saved.
14. Update the Blink app
Make sure the Blink app is updated to the latest version.
After updating, fully close the app, reopen it, and check again.
15. Remove and re-add the camera
If the camera still does not record clips after trying the above steps, remove the camera from the Blink app and add it again.
This can refresh the connection and correct setup issues.
If the problem still persists, please get in touch so that we can assist further and provide a free returns label.